Ashley Smith Thomas - Rubio & Asia

RUBIO IN BIND AS HE SEEKS TO REASSURE ASIA... EVEN AS REGION FACES PUNISHING TRUMP TARIFFS

Even as they face among the most punitive tariffs globally, US secretary of state Marco Rubio has sought to reassure southeast Asian nations of Washington’s commitment to the region, saying countries there may get “better” trade deals than the rest of the world. In his first official visit to Asia, Rubio met foreign ministers of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) in Malaysia on, telling his counterparts the US has “no intention of abandoning” the region. His visit came days after president Donald Trump renewed his threat to impose severe tariffs across many southeast Asian countries if they did not strike deals by 1 August. Thailand, Malaysia, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia, the Philippines and Indonesia were sent letters warning they will face tariffs ranging from 20-40% – levies that Rubio said were being discussed with Asean countries.

Political Strategist ASHLEY SMITH THOMAS